If you’re comparing the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K vs 6K Pro, you’re probably wondering which one is better.
These two cameras offer different features, including ND filters and an LCD display.
In this article, we’ll compare both cameras’ dynamic range. But before we do that, let’s look at a few differences between the two cameras.
Blackmagic Design’s Pocket Cinema Camera 6K vs 6K Pro
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro have very similar specifications and feature sets. The main difference is in their sensor size.
The Pocket 6K has a Super 35 image sensor, while the Pro has a full 4/3 sensor. While the size of the sensor may seem minor, it will ultimately affect your final decision. The Pro has better image quality, but the Pocket 6K can be more expensive.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro costs $500 more than the base model. The upgrade includes a tiltable LCD and an optional EVF.
The Pro version is more expensive, but it comes with plenty of features for the price. If you’re looking for an entry-level camera that will last for years, consider the Canon C70 or the Sony a7S III.
In addition to the XLR and mini XLR audio inputs, the BMPCC 6K Pro offers dual mics with 48v phantom power. The BMPCC 6K Pro has a full-sized HDMI and USB-C port, along with headphone and mic inputs. The Pro also offers dual mics and a 3.5mm audio input. It also comes with a 3.5mm audio input and a built-in speaker.
The BMPCC 6K Pro comes with a built-in motorized IR ND filter, which helps prevent the onset of glare. The BMPCC 6K Pro is better at low-angle shots because of the tilting screen. It has similar battery life to the BMPCC 6K but is slightly bigger. If you’re comparing both versions, consider the difference in price and performance.
While the Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro offers more features and performance, it’s a power hog. Its large display is a nice touch and has an easy-to-use menu. Fortunately, batteries are plentiful and it shuts down well before the battery life reaches its low-level indicator. It is also a bit heavier than the 6K Pro, so it’s important to carry a spare battery.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro offers advanced color science for a higher level of image quality. Its active EF mount, enables autofocus and a wider range of lenses. Nevertheless, the Pro is slightly more expensive and may be the better choice if you want to use a gimbal or tripod. However, the camera’s price is much lower than the 6K.
ND filters
The BMPCC 6K Pro possesses a DSLR-like form factor and is a bit bigger than the original BMPCC, measuring approximately 7 inches wide by 5 inches deep. It weighs just 2.75 pounds, which is about the same as the cinema-specific competition. Carbon fiber construction helps the BMPCC 6K Pro stay relatively lightweight. A lens made for cinema-quality images can sometimes weigh over 5 pounds, so this is especially noticeable in a compact camera.
The BMPCC 6K lacks built-in ND filters, while the BMPCC carries an integrated motorized IR ND filter. Both cameras provide 2, four, and six stops of light blocking, but the BMPCC 6K Pro offers more features than its predecessor. Its improved tiltable display has maximum brightness, and its top-mounting EVF has a detachable design. These are certainly nice additions, and the BMPCC 6K Pro has a more ergonomic grip for a camera that can be carried around all day.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro’s built-in ND filters provide more flexibility. Depending on the lens you choose, the internal NDs can be as low as two stops or as high as six stops. The BMPCC 6K Pro also offers a battery life 25% greater than the base unit. It also has two mini XLR analog ports, one with phantom power support and one with line level. The BMPCC 6K Pro is priced at $500.
The Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro has the same Super 35 size image sensor, color science, and recording specs. The BMPCC 6K Pro features built-in IR ND filters and a longer battery life. These filters match the colorimetry of the camera, and Blackmagic say they filter both IR and optical wavelengths equally. The buttons are located on the rear of the camera, and you can choose to select one of two settings to increase or decrease the amount of light.
LCD display
The BMPCC 6K and its Pro counterpart feature a similar spec sheet but differ slightly in design. Both have a viewfinder connector at the top of the camera, and an optional viewfinder can be attached to the camera. The BMPCC 6K offers a 1280 x 960 color OLED display, built-in proximity sensor, four-element glass diopter, and a focus chart. The viewfinder can be tilted 70 degrees and comes with four eyecups for different shooting conditions.
The 6K Pocket Pro’s LCD display is notably cooler than the D65’s, but the latter is more blue-tinted. This issue is not related to the sensor or recorded images and appears to affect a small batch of cameras. Fortunately, these issues aren’t widespread and many users have reported seeing more balanced LCD displays. In addition, both cameras support a front-facing touchscreen, which is handy when shooting from low-angles.
Viewfinder
The BMPCC 6K Pro features an optional, $495 EVF. Attached to the top hump of the camera, this viewfinder is composed of a bright 3.68 million dot OLED display.
It features a built-in proximity sensor, is swivel-able through 70 degrees, and is equipped with status information and frame guides. Compared to the BMPCC 6K, the Pro’s display is easier to read in bright sunlight.
Conclusion
The EF lens mount of the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K models allows customers to use lenses from other cameras.
This gives them creative freedom and the ability to use common photographic lenses.
This also means that they can capture images with film-quality lens effects.
Essentially, the 6K Pro has an active lens mount, allowing the customer to adjust iris and focus manually. Its hefty price tag may be a drawback, but its extra features make it worth it.
